Borderline tumor recurring?

[cheeseomlette]

Hi,

I'm a 20 year old girl and last April I had an operation to remove a large ovarian tumor and my left ovary. The pathology of the tumor came out as borderline, so I had a further operation to remove my appendix, some other fatty tissue that I forget the name of, and they also took and tested nine samples of tissue. All tests came out negative and I was given the all-clear.

Last August I had a scan where they discovered that my left ovary was polycystic, but no further growths had occurred. My next scan is in January.

I have since gone on the combined pill as I heard that it may prevent a further cyst growing. I have been on it for two months and have gained 2kg since going on it. I don't know if I am being paranoid, but in the last 2 weeks I have noticed my stomach getting bigger again, and today noticed that it's bigger on the left side of my stomach. I am so scared that it is growing back again, I know that my imagination is probably running wild and it is probably just bloating, but I also know my body and normally can tell when something is wrong.

Should I go to my doctor and ask for another scan, or could it just be bloating or scar tissue?

[cheeseomlette]

hi,

thank you all for your responses.

although i didn't have get a second opinion on pathology, i trust my doctors completely and feel that they were very thorough with my situation. i am having check-ups, my next ultrasound will be in january. the swelling doesn't seem to be as obvious at the moment, i'll keep an eye on the situation and if i still feel there is something wrong after a few weeks, i will ask to have an ultrasound down.

thanks again for your help,
grainne

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Cheeseomelette,
I agree with nyc lady and chelan.
If you still are not feeling right, ask your doctor about the option of getting a CT scan to look inside. Swelling can be from many things including a weakness in the abdominal wall. that is called a hernia. You should ask your doctor if there is any sign of a hernia
best wishes

[chelan3]

Hi, I agree with the others.  Have you been having follow-ups for your borderline ovarian cancer?  You should be.  I was diagnosed with borderline ovarian cancer just over 5 years ago and just finished my 6mos follow-ups.  I had a pelvic exam and u/s every six months and a yearly CT scan for 5 years. It doesn't sound like you had a hysterectomy (they don't often recommend them now for borderline ovarian cancer - especially if you're young) so you really should be having regular follow-ups with your gyn-oncologist.  If you didn't see a gyn-oncologist the first time round you should request a referral just to put your mind at ease. Also if you didn't have a second opinion on the pathology the first time round you should see if this still could be done.  Borderline ovarian cancer is a tricky pathology and you may want to be sure the pathology was correct.  
Best Wishes!

[cheeseomlette]

I went to the doctor a few days ago, and she felt my stomach didn't seem to feel/see anything that she found suspicious. She didn't explain why the right side of my stomach is more swollen though, what could be the reason for this?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,

You should definitely go and see your doctor. For peace of mind ! It is unlikely that a stage one borderline tumor will recur but it can happen. You are on the right path by being on the pill to suppress your remaining ovary
best wishes!

[nyc lady]

I am sure that Dr Goodman will be along soon  to offer you her excellent advise.

The most important lesson that I have learned and everyone on the patient to patient OvCa forum will tell you, is to listen to your body and be your own advacote.....you know your body best and you know what you are feeling....what's the worst thing that could happen here, you have a ultrasound and they see nothing?  At least then your mind will be at ease.

Best of luck to you.